Do Mantis Shrimp Taste Good? A Foodie’s Guide to This Unique Seafood

Mantis shrimp are one of the more unusual sea creatures found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. With their large bulbous eyes, spiked raptorial forelimbs, and brilliant colors, they look fascinating yet formidable. But how do they taste? Are mantis shrimp good to eat? Let’s dive in and explore the culinary world of this exotic crustacean.

There are over 450 species of mantis shrimp, separated into two main groups – spearers and smashers. Spearer mantis shrimp have spiny appendages specialized for impaling prey. Smasher mantis shrimp have club-like claws that deliver incredibly powerful blows. Both types are highly aggressive predators with excellent vision.

In the wild, mantis shrimp inhabit shallow reefs and rocky areas. They typically grow 4 to 12 inches long as adults. While they come in a rainbow of shades, some of the most colorful species are known as peacock mantis shrimp. They are a prized species for aquariums.

Do People Eat Mantis Shrimp?

Yes, mantis shrimp are eaten by humans in many countries! They have long been part of the seafood diet in various Asian and tropical regions. However, mantis shrimp are not a widely popular seafood worldwide compared to options like shrimp or lobster There are a few reasons why

• Small size – They provide only a tiny amount of meat

• Difficult to catch – Mantis shrimp are fast and live in hard-to-reach reef crevices

• Dangerous claws – The sharp, powerful claws pose a hazard if handled incorrectly.

• Time-consuming prep – Their hard shell and spikes take work to remove.

So mantis shrimp are not really commercially fished for public sale and consumption. But local fishermen in coastal areas still regularly catch and eat them for personal subsistence.

What Does Mantis Shrimp Taste Like?

Those who have tried cooked mantis shrimp say the meat has a mildly sweet, shrimp-like flavor. The texture is a bit chewy but not tough. When battered and fried, the crispy shell contrasts nicely with the tender interior meat.

Some key traits of the taste according to seafood aficionados:

• Sweetness – Subtly sweet with a hint of the natural reef habitat.

• Delicate – The flavor is understated and not fishy or overpowering.

• Mild – More mellow tasting than many shellfish and crustaceans.

• Versatile – It takes on the flavors of seasonings and sauces well.

Overall, mantis shrimp have a light and mildly sweet taste punctuated with whatever aromatics they are cooked with. Their adaptable flavor and texture make them surprisingly good eating!

How To Cook Mantis Shrimp

There are several cooking methods recommended for preparing mantis shrimp:

• Deep frying – This is a common technique to make the shrimp crispy. They are usually battered or floured first.

• Grilling – Mantis shrimp grill up fast over high heat, creating a smoky char. The shell protects the meat from drying out.

• Stir frying – Quick cooking in an oil and sauce mixture allows lots of seasoning flavors to permeate the shrimp.

• Steaming – A light steaming keeps the sweet taste intact without overcooking the delicate meat.

• Skewering – Threading the shrimp on skewers makes grilling, frying, or baking easy.

For safety, clip the sharp claws off prior to cooking. Peel off the main shell before or after cooking the shrimp based on the recipe.

Delicious Mantis Shrimp Recipes

Mantis shrimp work very well in a variety of dishes that highlight their natural sweetness:

• Bacon wrapped mantis shrimp – Mantishrimp grilled on skewers wrapped with bacon for incredible flavor.

• Mantis shrimp tempura – Light, crispy batter fried mantis shrimp as an appetizer or main dish.

• Stir fried mantis shrimp and vegetables – A quick vegetable and protein wok meal.

• Mantis shrimp soup or bisque – Simmered in an aromatic, creamy broth as an entree.

• Cajun sautéed mantis shrimp – Spicy Cajun blackened seasoning and a pan sear add zest.

• Coconut curry mantis shrimp – Served over rice with a rich, fragrant coconut curry sauce.

Is Eating Mantis Shrimp Safe?

Yes, eating properly prepared mantis shrimp is totally safe in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With a light flavor profile, they are not very high in mercury or toxins compared to some larger fish and seafood. Of course, anyone with a shellfish or seafood allergy should avoid mantis shrimp. As with any seafood, buy mantis shrimp fresh and cook thoroughly prior to eating.

So if you ever get the chance to try this unique tropical crustacean, take it! Mantis shrimp offer a tasty, healthy meal full of sweet seafood flavor. Just watch out for the claws until they hit the frying pan or grill!